Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 2243: Sexual abuse of a minor, a ward, or an individual in Federal custody

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Federal law criminalizes sexual acts by law enforcement officers with individuals in custody or under their authority, or with minors meeting specific age criteria. Violations carry imprisonment up to 15 years.

Read the full statutory text

has attained the age of 12 years but has not attained the age of 16 years; and is at least four years younger than the person so engaging; in official detention; and under the custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority of the person so engaging; Whoever, while acting in their capacity as a Federal law enforcement officer, knowingly engages in a sexual act with an individual who is under arrest, under supervision, in detention, or in Federal custody, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both. In a prosecution under subsection (a) of this section, it is a defense, which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant reasonably believed that the other person had attained the age of 16 years. the age of the other person engaging in the sexual act; or that the requisite age difference existed between the persons so engaging.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.